The swarming stars seem to be lost, to lie in dim faraway depths; and the trail of fire is in form like a monstrance--yes, a real monstrance, the base of which is outlined by the inclined ways, the stem by the two parallel paths, and the Host by the round lawn which crowns them.

It is a monstrance of burning gold, shining out in the depths of the darkness with a perpetual sparkle of moving stars.

Nothing else seems to exist; it is gigantic, paramount.

I really never saw anything so extraordinary before!" He was waving his arms, beside himself, overflowing with the emotion of an artist.
"Father dear," said Marie, tenderly, "since you have come back you ought to go to bed.

It is nearly eleven o'clock, and you know that you have to start at two in the morning." Then, to render him compliant, she added: "I am so pleased that you are going to make that excursion! Only, come back early to-morrow evening, because you'll see, you'll see--" She stopped short, not daring to express her conviction that she would be cured.
"You are right; I will go to bed," replied M.de Guersaint, quite calmed.
"Since Pierre will be with you I sha'n't feel anxious." "But I don't wish Pierre to pass the night out here.